Potential Rutgers OC Ralph Friedgen known as smart Xs and Os coach, good closer in recruiting

PISCATAWAY — Even when he was bogged down by all the management decisions facing a head coach, Ralph Friedgen could walk into the Maryland football team’s tight ends meeting room on a whim and know all the assignments on a given play.

Now, more than three years after he last coached, Friedgen could be bringing his detailed knowledge of pro-style offensive schemes to Rutgers, as a source said Tuesday night that the 66-year-old Harrison, N.Y. native is close to being hired as the program’s fifth different offensive coordinator in five seasons.

“He knew everything about everyone’s position,” said former Maryland tight end Matt Furstenburg, a Hunterdon Central High School graduate, in a phone interview Tuesday night. “What they were supposed to do and how it could be taught the best. That’s just the way he was as a coach.”

Considered an offensive guru known for developing run-pass balanced attacks, Friedgen met with head coach Kyle Flood on campus during the weekend, according to sources. Brian Angelichio, who was thought to be a front-runner for the job, was hired Monday as tight ends coach for the Cleveland Browns.

“He thinks a great run game will support a great pass game and a great pass game will support a great run game,” Furstenburg said. “He knows that they have to work together to help each other.”

Friedgen served as Maryland’s head coach from 2001-10, inheriting a program that had no bowl appearances and one winning season dating back to 1990 and turning it into a consistent winner as he compiled a 75-50 record with wins in five of seven bowl appearances. He also was regarded as a good closer in the recruiting ranks.

“It would be an important hire for them,” Rivals.com national recruiting analyst Mike Farrell said. “Is it going to solve all the problems they’ve got? I don’t think it will immediately, but it certainly is going to be a name that kids recognize. It’s better than a no-name hire or some young assistant in his first time out of the shoot.”

About Ryan Dunleavy

Ryan Dunleavy has covered Rutgers athletics for more than a decade, dating back to his days as a student at his alma mater. He became New Jersey Press Media’s Rutgers women’s basketball beat writer in 2009 and Rutgers football beat writer in 2013. Since joining the staff in 2004, the Morris County native also has covered the NFL, MLB, NBA, the Somerset Patriots and high school sports.

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About the Author

Jerry CarinoJerry Carino has covered sports for the Gannett New Jersey newspapers since 1996 and has been on the college basketball beat since 2003. A native of Old Bridge, he also teaches journalism at Kean University.E-mail Jerry

Josh NewmanJosh Newman has worked for the Press since September 2004 and began covering Shore Conference sports full time in September 2006. He is a 2004 graduate of Springfield College with a degree in communications/sports journalism.E-mail Josh

Ryan DunleavyRyan Dunleavy has covered Rutgers athletics for more than a decade, dating back to his days as a student at his alma mater. He became New Jersey Press Media’s Rutgers women’s basketball beat writer in 2009 and Rutgers football beat writer in 2013. Since joining the staff in 2004, the Morris County native also has covered the NFL, MLB, NBA, the Somerset Patriots and high school sports.E-mail Ryan